Military UAV fuel cells are of different kinds, and they are deployed for various operations. The most prominent types of fuel cells used in military UAVs are proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and alkaline fuel cells. Also, intense research is ongoing on leveraging these technologies on different UAV platforms, such as micro and mini UAVs. PEMFCs are used in medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long endurance (HALE) UAVs as their operating temperature lies between 30°C and 100°C.

Technavio’s analysts forecast the global fuel cells for military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market to grow at a CAGR of 14.32% during the period 2017-2021.

Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global fuel cells for military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.

The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

Americas

APAC

EMEA

Technavio's report, Global Fuel Cells for Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key vendors

EnergyOR Technologies

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology

Protonex

Ultra Electronics

Other prominent vendors

Jadoo Power System

Market driver

High investment in military unmanned aircraft domain

For a full, detailed list, view our report

Market challenge

Decline in prices of non-renewable resources

For a full, detailed list, view our report

Market trend

Emergence of Formira Hydrogen-on-Demand technology

For a full, detailed list, view our report

Key questions answered in this report

What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key market trends?

What is driving this market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are the key vendors in this market space?

Press Release

Technavio Announces the Publication of its Research Report – Global Fuel Cells for Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market 2017-2021

Commenting on the report, an analyst from Technavio’s team said: “One trend in the market is emergence of Formira Hydrogen-on-Demand technology. The Formira Hydrogen-On-Demand technology synthesizes hydrogen from liquid formic acid, which is a safe source for the process. In this process, formic acid is transferred from the tank to a reformer, where hydrogen is generated. The hydrogen produced is instantly consumed by the stack.”

According to the report, one driver in the market is high investment in military unmanned aircraft domain. Various public bodies around the world are investing heavily in the defense sector to ensure that it has adequate technological capabilities and advanced vehicles to combat any foreign threats. This has attracted many countries to sign agreements that involve procurement of sophisticated vehicles and ammunitions. The continuous improvement in technology and involvement from various industry leaders have made the development of fuel cells for UAV successful.

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is decline in prices of non-renewable resources. Majority of the vehicles use petroleum-based products as a fuel. UAVs usually use kerosene jet fuel for their propulsion. Petrol and petroleum-based products are non-renewable and are limited in nature. These are usually imported from areas where there is a surplus of oil reserves. In comparison to other petroleum products, access to kerosene is comparatively easier. It is available in many fueling stations around the world as all aircraft use the same type of fuel for its operations.